Name: Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, or oil; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably dutch processed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter); 1/2 cup favorite add-ins (chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or walnuts)

Nothing beats the rich, chocolaty goodness of fudgy brownies straight from the oven, especially when they're super simple to whip up. This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe is one of my go-to treats—it's quick, delicious, and requires just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try it, these brownies might just become your new favorite.

The image shows a stack of four thick chocolate brownies placed on a light brown paper surface. Each brownie layer is dark brown with a moist, rich texture and visible melted chocolate chunks spread unevenly inside. The top surface of each brownie has a shiny, slightly cracked crust. The background is a soft, blurred dark gray, and the bottom surface is a white marbled texture, adding a clean contrast to the dark brownies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these brownies strike the perfect balance between easy and indulgent. I love how the recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or that perfectly fudgy texture I crave. Plus, everything gets mixed in one bowl, so you won’t be stuck with a pile of dishes afterward.

Total simplicity: One bowl means minimal prep and cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your brownies.
Fudgy perfection: These brownies come out rich and dense, not cakey or dry—exactly how I like them.
Flexible to your taste: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even espresso powder to customize the flavor anytime.
Quick bake time: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying last-minute dessert cravings.

A close-up image of a dark brown brownie held between two woman's hands, showing a cracked and crisp top layer with a soft and moist inside that is melting slightly, revealing rich, gooey chocolate texture with a few visible chocolate bits inside. The background is blurred but shows more brownies with similar texture on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of the Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe lies in how these few, simple ingredients come together. Each one plays a key role in building that classic fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor.

Flat lay of rich unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder in a small mound, glossy melted butter pooling beside it, a heap of granulated sugar sparkling softly, two large raw eggs with smooth shells, pale vanilla beans placed delicately, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, scattered dark chocolate chunks and shiny chocolate chips, and a handful of chopped walnuts, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Butter (or oil): Creates richness and moisture, which is essential for that fudgy consistency. I sometimes add a bit of oil for extra gooeyness.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps with texture—using between ¾ to 1¼ cups lets you customize the sweetness to your liking.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This delivers intense chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa works best for a smoother taste.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture without making the brownies cakey.
Vanilla extract: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and lifts the overall flavor.
Flour: Just a little to hold the brownies together without drying them out.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate notes—leave it out only if you use salted butter.
Favorite add-ins: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or walnuts add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on my mood or what I have in the pantry. It’s so adaptable—you can easily tailor it to suit your favorite flavors or dietary needs.

Variation: One time I added a teaspoon of instant espresso powder, and the chocolate flavor skyrocketed—totally recommend if you want that coffee-chocolate combo vibe.
Nut-free version: Skip the add-ins or swap nuts for dried fruit if you’re allergic or want something different.
Extra gooey brownies: I often add a tablespoon of oil alongside the butter for a super moist, almost molten texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Melt and mix the chocolate base

Start by melting your butter in a large microwave-safe bowl—about 1 minute usually does the trick. Once melted, stir in the sugar and cocoa powder vigorously for at least a minute until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture looks glossy. This step helps prevent graininess and gives your brownies a smooth, rich base.

Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla for shine and moisture

One at a time, whisk in your eggs, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then add vanilla extract and continue whisking for about a minute until the batter is shiny and slightly thickened. This is when you know the texture is just right for fudgy brownies.

Step 3: Fold in dry ingredients and optional add-ins

Gently stir in the flour and salt until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep things fudgy, not cakey. Now’s the time to fold in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts. This adds texture and a little surprise in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to fudgy perfection

Spread the batter evenly in a greased or parchment-lined 8x8 pan. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, just until the center is set but still slightly soft. I keep a close eye here—overbaking dries them out, and no one wants cakey brownies.

Step 5: Cool and cut

Once baked, let the brownies cool completely before cutting—this helps them set up and makes slicing easier. I usually cut mine into 16 small squares so everyone gets a perfectly fudgy bite.

Top Tip

After making these brownies countless times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make a difference, so you’ll get that perfect fudgy texture every single time.

Melt Butter Properly: Melt the butter all the way in short bursts to avoid burning it. If the butter is overheated, your brownies can turn greasy.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until flour disappears. Overmixing activates gluten and leads to cakey, dry brownies—not what we’re going for here!
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep your eyes on the clock and do the toothpick test around 18-20 minutes. The center should be set but still soft and a bit shiny.
Use Quality Cocoa: I always use Dutch-processed cocoa because it brings out a richer, deeper chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa powder.

How to Serve Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe

fudgy cocoa brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving these brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to contrast the sweetness. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side really takes them to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also go surprisingly well alongside fresh berries to add a bit of brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut these brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Another fun idea is layering them with whipped cream and berries in small jars for individual dessert servings—everyone loves the personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay wonderfully moist, but if you want to extend that, refrigeration works too—just bring them back to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. I slice them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a quick treat.

Reheating

To revive your brownies, pop a wrapped piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that soft, fudgy texture like they were freshly baked. Just be careful not to overheat, or they'll dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute melted oil (like sunflower or canola) for butter in equal amounts. I sometimes do this to make the brownies extra moist and skip the extra step of melting butter.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for a set center that’s still slightly shiny and a toothpick inserted in the middle that comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t wait for a dry toothpick—overbaking will lead to dry, cakey brownies, which is not what this recipe is about!

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve doubled this recipe in a 9x13 pan with great results. Just increase baking time to about 25-27 minutes and check for doneness starting at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. The texture stays just as fudgy and delicious.

What are the best add-ins for this recipe?

I love classic chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra richness, walnuts for crunch, or even dried cherries for a tart surprise. Feel free to experiment with your favorites—the batter is forgiving and delicious either way!

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a handful of pantry staples into something indulgent and comforting in just minutes. Giving it a try means you’re steps away from tasting some of the best homemade brownies you can get, with minimum effort and maximum love. I hope you enjoy baking—and eating—these as much as I do!